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A fisherman supplier for SmartFish in Mexico

Social enterprises driving global change on World Food Day

Every year on 16 October, World Food Day highlights important topics such as food waste, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and the challenges faced by fishing communities — all in an effort to combat climate change. This year's theme is "Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future”. It's the perfect opportunity for us to shine a spotlight on the incredible efforts of social entrepreneurs, who are making everyday life better for so many people and how they're creating a more sustainable and inclusive world.

A group of six women standing together outside dressed in winter coats.

Belong

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Belong is a nonprofit organisation building bridges between newcomers and established Swedes through mentorship and networking.

Sweden is becoming more diverse, yet foreign-born individuals face significant barriers to entering the labour market. Despite strong professional and educational backgrounds, many lack access to networks, language skills, and knowledge of local norms. These challenges keep many out of work and limit their chances of integrating into society.

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Location
Stockholm, Sweden
  
Programme
Everyone’s Business Programme
in partnership with Reach for Change

Website
www.belong.se

Belong addresses these challenges by building bridges between Swedes and newcomers to the country. It creates opportunities for people from different backgrounds to enter the labour market, participate actively in society, and improve their living conditions.

At the same time, building connections with people familiar with Swedish society often helps newcomers find work and integrate more easily.

Belong addresses this gap through vocational mentoring programmes. For seven months, participants are matched with mentors experienced in the Swedish labour market. Through individual meetings, group sessions, and job fairs, mentors provide guidance and support. Belong also engages in advocacy to promote inclusion and integration.

In a Sweden characterised by segregation and high thresholds to the labour market, especially for those born abroad, organisations that work for inclusion and integration are needed more than ever. When more people are included, we all win.

— Ante Nordqvist, Operations Manager, Belong
Since its start, more than 3,500 people have participated in Belong’s programmes, and 75% have moved into employment or taken steps towards work, such as internships or education. Beyond numbers, Belong fosters understanding and collaboration, creating a society where everyone can thrive.

Belong aims to scale nationally by offering digital mentoring programmes and establishing local hubs in multiple cities. The vision is a Sweden where inclusion is the norm and everyone has equal access to opportunities.

Programme support

Through the programme, we’ll support Belong in developing sustainable revenue models and building strategic partnerships. This support will enable Belong to expand its reach, engage more mentors from the business community and secure financial stability for long-term impact.